Bills follow squad gamers who could contribute in 2026

For probably the most half, an NFL follow squad is made up of younger gamers simply in search of an opportunity to maintain their dream alive by hopefully doing sufficient good work to get a shot, both with their staff or maybe one other.

However, now that the follow squad has grown to 16 gamers and might embrace as much as 10 gamers who’ve accrued a most of two NFL seasons, and a veteran allowance of as much as six gamers who can have a limiteless variety of accrued seasons, it’s additionally a worthwhile useful resource, nearly like how a minor league system feeds the key league roster in baseball.

And these gamers could be elevated to the 53-man roster and activated for as much as three video games every, in order that they do get alternatives to get on tape.

Here are the three most intriguing gamers who will nearly definitely get into video games this season.

WR/PR Greg Dortch

So far, the Bills have gone outdoors their group to signal solely two veterans and Dortch could play an instantaneous function.

Dortch, 28, was launched by the Lions after signing with Detroit as a free agent in March following 5 seasons with the Cardinals. While with Arizona, the 5-foot-7, 183-pounder was utilized in a wide range of methods on offense and he caught 145 of 191 targets for 1,310 yards and 10 touchdowns, taking part in the final three years underneath receivers coach Drew Terrell who now holds that job in Buffalo.

But what the Bills are most curious about is that Dortch returned 99 punts for an 8.9 common and he additionally returned 75 kickoffs for a 23.6 common, all of that underneath the watchful eye of particular groups coordinator Jeff Rodgers who’s now accountable for the Bills’ kicking groups.

Punt return has been a dilemma for the Bills for a number of seasons. They had been hoping working again Ray Davis may deal with it, however his muffed punt the opposite night time towards the Steelers was a pink flag.

Because the Bills have 5 receivers on the 53-man roster, it’s very potential that Dortch is ultimately referred to as up for good if he performs nicely within the return sport.

LB Shaq Thompson

What a veteran transfer this was, skipping the entire OTAs and coaching camp and coming in on the final second.

Thompson joined the Bills final season and should have been Buffalo’s most constant linebacker as he was in on 56 tackles and had a pressured fumble and a sack taking part in largely instead of injured Terrel Bernard.

Throughout the offseason, it appeared like bringing again Thompson was a no brainer given how nicely he performed final season and the way simply he match into the group.

The protection is new this 12 months, however Thompson’s ability set nonetheless suits completely. Dorian Williams might be going to begin Week 1, although it wouldn’t be a shock if rookie Kaleb Elarms-Orr will get that task. Bernard is the particular starter on the different place, however everyone knows he has battled accidents the final two years and is doing so as soon as once more this summer season. The Bills wanted a veteran at this place, and Thompson was a super pickup.

CB Kani Walker

One of the hardest cuts the staff needed to make was that of the undrafted rookie free agent out of Arkansas. The child performed nicely sufficient in follow and the preseason to warrant a 53-man roster spot, however there was in all probability concern about an excessive amount of inexperience at cornerback if Walker, Max Hairston and Davison Igbinosun had been the corners becoming a member of veteran Christian Benford.

So whereas it was a danger, the Bills uncovered Walker to waivers within the hope that no staff would put in a declare for an undrafted free agent. It was a guess the Bills received as they had been in a position to get him again and now they’ll develop him right into a participant who may ultimately get to the 53.

Still, the Bills should be contemplating bringing in a veteran cornerback. They did not declare anybody on this first burst of availability, however there may very well be different names on the market which may curiosity them.

Sal Maiorana has coated the Buffalo Bills for greater than 4 a long time together with 37 years because the full-time beat author/columnist for the D&C. He has written quite a few books concerning the historical past of the staff, and he’s additionally co-host of the BLEAV in Bills podcast/YouTube present. He could be reached at maiorana@gannett.com, and you’ll observe him on X @salmaiorana and on Bluesky @salmaiorana.bsky.social.